This is an unacceptable policy decision by the W3C.
Thousands of developers and millions of users rely on the W3C as a
standards group for the non-discriminatory protocols and standards to
create the current and next generation web. The momentum behind these
standards rarely comes from Big Companies. They come when protocols and
standards are freely available for implementation by all big, small and
individuals.
If a company big or small wants to make a go of it with patented
material let them do that in the market without the "Good Housekeeping"
stamp of the W3C.
Don't waste the good will and developer momentum that you have built by
selling out to malignant corporate interests.
Adam Logghe
Independent Developer
adam@devtty.net